Tom Ford Private Blend Tobacco Vanille Fragrance Review

* Just as you would imagine from the name, Tobacco Vanille is essentially a mix of pipe tobacco and sweet vanilla.

* The top note is tobacco, sweetened by cola, chocolate, cinnamon, and a touch of vanilla.

* Tobacco Vanille is strong and not for the faint of heart. It projects for miles and is very powerful.

* The scent progression is so slow and gradual that it often feels linear (or unchanging on me).

* Over time, the vanilla gradually increases in intensity until the tobacco and vanilla are equally blended.

Summary: Obviously one of the most decadently non office-friendly fragrances that you could imagine. One spray will last you until you scrub it off – and even then you will still smell the sweet base for another day or so. The projection is atomic – like the powerhouse scents of the ’80s, but amped-up even more. TV is regarded by many as one of the best luxury vanilla fragrances and I agree – I put it the same category as Guerlain Spirtieuse Double Vanille and Frederic Malle Musc Ravageur – interesting takes on what is a common note. I’ve been called a Fordie by several fragrance people, yet Tobacco Vanille is one that I did not love at first. After I wore it a few times, I started to respect the powerful beast and then eventually fell in love with it. It definitely reads older to me – men over forty mainly, as I think it would be too much for a younger guy. It would make a great gift for any man who smokes pipes, drinks bourbon, or engages in other classic gentlemanly leisurely duties. It would also work well for a guy who wore A*men or Kouros in their twenties and are looking for something to graduate to.